Study on Physical Properties of Semiconductor Nanowire Networks for High-Speed Photodetectors, Ultra-Sensitive Chemical/Biological Sensors and High-Efficiency Thermoelectric Power Generators

In this project students will acquire basic knowledge and hands on experience in obtaining optical (photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy), electrical (current-voltage characteristics), and thermoelectric (Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity) properties of a network of semiconductor nanowires grown in our laboratory. The students will use an optical set up including laser light sources and a spectrometer, and an electrical probe station equipped with an optical microscope and a semiconductor parameter analyzer. The students will conduct the study with the view toward applications such as high-speed photodetectors, ultra sensitive chemical/biological sensors, and high-efficiency thermoelectric power generators.

Location: 2300 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz

Mentor: Nobuhiko Kobayashi, Faculty, Associate Professor

Secondary Mentor: David Fryauf (UCSC Ph.D. candidate)